Angle Grinder Handle: Replacement, Thread Size, And More

This article introduces all information related to the angle grinder handle. If you need to make a handle replacement or try to use this tool without using a handle, you should read it first.

How Important Is An Angle Grinder Handle?

The handle plays a vital role in the operation of an angle grinder.

First, it allows you to control the grinder and make cuts with high precision, or polish/grind surfaces and edges with smooth finishes and minimal material loss. When both hands stay stable on the tool, you can easily follow the pre-defined marks and make fewer faults.

Second, the handle protects you from severe injuries when working at high speeds or cutting thick, hard materials like concrete, bricks, stainless steel, rebar or ceramic tiles. Operating a dangerous power tool like an angle grinder with one hand holding or without a grip can lead to stability loss, kickbacks, facial injuries, etc.

Thus, when using an angle grinder, you should always use two handles along with the safety guard adequately installed to avoid unwanted accidents.

angle grinder safety tips

Types Of Angle Grinder Handle

1. Main handle

You use your preferred hand to hold the main handle to cut or grind materials.

On most angle grinders, the main handle is fixed in the tool’s body. So, you can’t clearly distinguish the boundaries between the handle and its body.

Angle grinder handle

Sometimes the main handle is separated from the tool’s body. This main handle type is often found on large angle grinders since their motor is powerful and throws a massive amount of heat.

handle separate with angle grinder

There are some angle grinder models with a unique main handle. For example, the Dewalt DCG412B has a D-shape main handle that allows you to have a better grip. Or the RIDGID R10202 has a twist handle that can be adjusted in three positions. This adjustable handle allows you to make cuts at different angles without tiring your arms.

2. Side handle

As its name, a side handle is placed on the left or right side of an angle grinder. This handle is often being used with the main handle to help you control your grinder with great stability and safety to get your job done.

There are 3 types of side handle – fixed, removable, and adjustable.

A fixed side handle

Like a fixed safety guard, it is less favored on today’s angle grinders. Some users might find a fixed side handle alright, but most of the time, it is too inconvenient. You can’t change, remove, or adjust its position.

A removable side handle

This type allows you to switch the handle from left to right for different applications. If you are a left-handed user, you can switch it to the left. You can also remove it from your tool, but it is not highly recommended due to the lack of safety.

An adjustable side handle

This type is popularly applied to the latest angle grinder models. Depending on the grinder’s design, this handle can be adjusted in 2 or 3 positions (for 4-inch and 4.5-inch grinders), or up to 5 positions (in large angle grinders).

Although this handle type can’t be removed from the tool (and most of the time you don’t have to remove it!), you can adjust its position to be well-aligned with the guard or to get the best comfortable hand position for specific jobs.

3. Loop handle

A loop handle (also called a grind handle) is optional. You have to purchase it separately, since it isn’t included in the grinder package.

This special handle boosts the ergonomic of your grinder or helps you handle your power tool with ease in some applications. For example, you can use a grinder with an attached loop handle for surface grinding with fiber discs, light polishing work with diamond cup wheels, etc. Generally speaking, a loop handle should only be used for grinding and polishing jobs.

There are two shape options for a loop handle:

  • Wrap-around loop handle

Wrap-around loop handle

  • Front loop handle

Front loop handle

Please remember that a loop handle can only be applied on angle grinders with a 2-position or 3-position side handle.

Things To Consider In An Angle Grinder Handle

Although the handle is not the main criterion when purchasing an angle grinder, the following handle requirements will let you use this power tool more efficiently and comfortably.

Anti-vibration side handle

An anti-vibration side handle provides increased comfort for you, especially during periods of extended use. When your hands are correctly positioned, you can be confident to deliver cuts or grinds with utmost precision.

Less vibration also means higher safety. A firm grip lessens the risks of losing control of your tool, thus preventing accidents during prolonged operation.

The name of this feature might vary by different manufacturers. For example, it is called VibraTech on Metabo grinders, Vibration-Proof on Makita grinders, or Anti-Vibration on Bosch grinders.

Two-side handle

If your grinder has this feature, you can switch its handle to the left or right, depending on your preferred position.

3 position

3-position side angle grinder handle

A 3-position side handle is more advanced than the previous. It can be switched from left, right, or even to the top of the tool.

If you want to adjust your side handle in more than 3 positions, you can use a multiple-position bracket.

Thread size

If you plan to replace your provided handle, you should check your tool’s thread size (thread diameter or the connection between the handle and the grinder’s body) first.

Different angle grinder sizes have different side handle thread sizes. The thread size can be found on the tool’s specifications.

For example, an angle grinder with a thread diameter of 8mm (0.31 inches, or M8) should have a side handle with the same thread diameter.

side handle thread sizes

Shape & Material

Plastic is the most common material used on angle grinder handles, thanks to its lightweight. The reduced weight helps you maneuver your grinder for hours with less arm and hand fatigue. Yet, there are still some handles made of plastic and metal, but they are heavier and might not be as preferred as plastic ones.

And, its shape is also diverse.

Some handles are plain and simple like that.

simple handle

Some others come with a unique design for enhanced grip.

handle with a unique design for enhanced grip

Or you can see some handles come with special decorations like this one from Dewalt.

handle come with special decoration

Just pick up one that has a user-friendly design and is most comfortable for you.

How Do You Handle An Angle Grinder?

Below are some safety cautions you should know when using an angle grinder:

  • Wear essential safety gear: Protect yourself when using a high-speed tool like an angle grinder by putting on proper safety gear like long sleeves, full-face shield, goggles, noise-canceling earmuffs, dust mask.
  • Hold the tool with your two hands: Grab the handle with your preferred hand, and use the other hand to hold the weight of the tool.
  • Run your angle grinder to its full speed before applying it to the surface: whether you are grinding, cutting, or sanding anything, you should wait until your tool reaches its full speed to keep your movements smooth and consistent.
  • When polishing or cleaning a surface, move the tool constantly: You should proceed with your grinder in a circular motion over the surface. Otherwise, you will end up with gouges.
  • Apply light pressure when cutting or grinding: If you press the tool too hard, it can cause kickbacks and lead to severe injuries to you. When sanding, you can apply a bit more pressure.
  • Apply the angle grinder at the correct angle: For sanding, apply the grinder at a 5o-10o angle to the working surface. For grinding, keep the tool at a 15o-30o angle.
  • Never remove the angle grinder guard: Always check if the guard is properly positioned before running your tool. It will protect you from hot metal sparks or sharp fragments (if the disc/attachment shatters).
  • Only put the grinder down when it has stopped spinning: Ensure the grinder’s wheel isn’t spinning, or your surface will be damaged. You can use the electric braking system to stop the tool instantly (if yours has one).
  • Unplug your grinder when not in use: You should unplug your tool in front of its power supply (if it is a corded one), or remove its battery (if it is a cordless one) and place it wheel-side up on a solid worktable. This extra step is to prevent accidental starts, which can harm you or the people around you.

FAQs (Related Questions)

1. Are angle grinder handles universal?

Yes, but not all of them. You can purchase a universal angle grinder handle to use on various grinder models.

2. Can I use angle grinders without handles?

You should never use an angle grinder without a handle. Eventually, it can result in loss of control, material loss, kickbacks, and other severe injuries to you and damages to the tool.

Final Words

An angle grinder handle is as important as other safety gear and handguards. Thus, it should be chosen with care to make it best suitable for your demands.

Adjustable handles are highly recommended for craftsmen of all levels and working environments since they allow you to customize the tool’s position to be safe and comfortable while operating this powerful but dangerous electric tool.

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